WESTFIELD-For Gloria McMahon, receiving a “lift” at the YMCA of Greater Westfield has made a marked improvement in her swimming routine.
“My severe arthritis has limited my mobility,” said McMahon, who has been an active member of the YMCA for more than 25 years. “Before I retired I was walking two miles a day. After I retired I knew I would need to stay active and the YMCA has provided a supportive environment.”
Gloria McMahon is all smiles as she can now use a new universal access lift from the main level to the pool deck at the YMCA of Greater Westfield. (Submitted photo)
Thanks in part to two grants – the George I. Alden Trust and The Beveridge Family Foundation – the Savaria V-1504 universal access lift was installed by 101 Mobility in September. The lift is built to carry a wheelchair and passenger safely up and down one or more levels, driven by a hydraulic system that travels up and down a rail system enclosed in the lift tower so a machine room is not needed.
“Additionally, we were left $5,000 in a bequest from one of our members and as she was a water exercise user, those dollars were earmarked for the lift as well,” said Andrea Allard, YMCA CEO, adding that 90% of the $102,552 lift cost was covered by grants and donations.
The lift is located on the first floor of the YMCA and the other level is located in the large pool area.
“There was a very old lift that was installed sometime in the 80’s for wheelchair access and others had to manipulate four stairs,” said Allard. “Access to the pools with the new lift is a game changer for some who must do or can only do water-based exercise to help with mobility.”
McMahon, who particularly enjoys the “therapy swim” classes, shared a similar sentiment.
“When my knees started to bother me it was hard to use the stairs,” said McMahon. “The lift is wonderful for me.”
Allard noted that during the grant writing process, it was important to emphasize that the YMCA offers a variety of swimming programs, from youth swim lessons to a competitive swim team.
“Swimming is a life skill,” said Allard. “Last year we served over 500 youth through aquatics as well as offered swimming instruction and aquatic activities to a broad spectrum of the population from infants to seniors 95 years of age.”
Allard added that the YMCA works with several organizations to help provide aquatic opportunities for their clients.
“Through collaboration, organizations that do not have their own pool can depend on the Y to help deliver a quality experience for youth, adults and seniors,” said Allard.
Carissa M. Lisee, Westfield’s superintendent of buildings and building commissioner, noted the city’s Commission for Citizens with Disabilities and its members take pride in supporting the community, its residents and businesses with regard to accessibility issues and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance.
“It is heartwarming to see the Westfield YMCA voluntarily making accessibility improvements to accommodate members of the community that have mobility challenges,” noted Lisee in a statement. “Improvements like this set a great example, hopefully encouraging other local businesses to follow suit.”
The original pool at the YMCA on Court Street was built in 1950 and the Olympic pool was built in 1974. With the installation of the new lift, people who are wheelchair bound will have access to a heated pool as well as a lap pool.
“Members and guests with limited ability can benefit greatly from water exercise and swimming,” said Allard, adding, “Access for all is part of our mission.”
At age 90, McMahon said the new lift has given her another way to enjoy one of her favorite exercises – swimming.
“When I started exercising after retiring, I concentrated on the YMCA ‘Going Strong’ class,” said McMahon. “Over the years I switched to the pool because of the nice warm water which is very soothing. Also, I’ve met a nice group of people so the camaraderie is very enjoyable.”
